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HIV physicians call for more affordable therapies
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The American Academy of HIV Medicine and the HIV Medicine Association have expressed concern over HIV drug pricing in a joint statement issued today.
Although the groups recognize the advances in HIV therapy research made by pharmaceutical companies over the past 30 years, they urge the companies to set prices for ART so that populations most in need can afford them. Among people with HIV, 25% are uninsured and fewer than 15% have private insurance coverage.
“HIV care providers across the country can prescribe the therapies available to treat patients to properly manage their disease,” Michael Horberg, MD, MAS, chair of the board of directors for the HIV Medicine Association, said in a press release. “However, if patients are unable to afford to fill the prescription, the treatment link is broken. Reliable access to HIV medications is imperative for viral suppression and effective management of HIV infection, not only to improve the patient’s health but also to help prevent the spread of the disease.”
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may help to increase access to HIV treatment and care. According to the statement, however, the treatment improvements will not be seen unless effective ART treatments are included in drug formularies and are available at reasonable cost.
“The provider community is pleased that the Affordable Care Act will expand care options for the HIV patient,” Donna Sweet, MD, chair of the American Academy of HIV Medicine’s Board of Directors, said in a press release. “But if the full range of treatment options is not included in the drug formularies and costs aren’t kept down for third-party payers and individuals, the full benefit to HIV patients through the Act will not be achieved.”